Home   >   Common Writing Mistakes   >   Why You Should Start A Gratitude Journal

Why You Should Start A Gratitude Journal

By on March 29, 2018

The little practice of starting a gratitude journal can have a profound impact on your life. A gratitude journal can help you reflect on your current situation and give you an opportunity to look at your past thinking.

The notebook or journal you buy to start your gratitude journal need not be expensive. I was able to purchase one for $5.99, and it lasted me the better part of two years. The goal is to buy a journal you feel comfortable writing in every day and one you can carry around with you.

To set up your gratitude journal, you will determine a time each day when you will do your journaling. I recommend you start your day with writing in your journal. This shouldn’t later than two hours after you woke up. If you put it off any later, you less apt to do your journaling for the day.

When you finally have your journal and a time each day for when you will write, you’re going to want to include 3 to 5 positive things happening in your life. Think back to the previous day, what was something that put a smile on your face? No matter how bad your day was, you can always think back to one positive event. What this does is allows you to become grateful for everything in your life, no matter where you are.

When writing what you’re thankful for, you’ll want to make sure that it’s specific. Instead of putting, “I’m thankful for my family.” You’ll want to put, “I’m thankful for having a loving wife and kids who adore me.” By making your event more specific, you can become more grateful.

It’s easy to get stuck in negative thinking, a gratitude journal is a way to get out. It’s a simple habit you can develop and you only need to put ten minutes into it each day. If all it took was ten minutes to become happier, why wouldn’t you do it?   

 Trevor Oldham

About Ty Cohen